The Aphonopelma seemanni was one of the first tarantulas that originated from Costa Rica. They are readily available in many pet shops for tarantula enthusiasts.
They are called the Striped-kneed Tarantula or the Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula, where the Zebra refers to their unique black and white striped knees.
They have hairy bodies, 4 to 8 eyes, and generally eight long legs. No two species of arachnids are ever the same as they come in so many varieties, and all varieties are known simply for their striking beauty.
This article will discuss all that you need to know before adopting an Aphonopelma Seemanni as a pet.
Lifespan & Size
Costa Rican Zebra Tarantulas have a longer life span. The male may live up to 7 years, while the female lives up to 20 impressive years. The female’s maturity level reaches 5-6 years while the male becomes mature at 2-3 years.
Size is another vital factor to consider when choosing Aphonopelma Seemanni. A striped-Knee tarantula grows up to 4 to 5½ inches, which includes their leg’s length. Thus, a medium-sized is recommended.
Temperament
The Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula seems to be a defensive creature when threatening humans and other creatures. Their venom is toxic enough to cause deadly damage to humans.
However, they are shy and will only attack as a last resort. They prefer to take flight rather than fighting back against an attacker. So, it is preferred to let them be on the ground where they are most comfortable.
They also avoid going out directly during the day as it makes them an easy target for large lizards or hawks to pick off. Therefore, they spend their morning deep underground and come out during the night to hunt for food.
Bite
Before tarantula bites, they show other warning signs that are clever enough to understand. They will first lift its front two legs, which means to back off. However, if they are more upset, it will release hairs known as urticating hairs, making them less appealing to predators.
A quiet environment with little stimulation makes it perfect for the peace-loving Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula.
Ideal Feeding
Most of the pet owners opt to feed crickets to Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula. A tarantula needs to be fed once or twice a week. They are also well-known to like cockroaches and grasshoppers.
You can place the live meal into the cage, allow them some time to eat, and then remove leftovers. If they are not hungry or hunting, then it might cause stress for them.
Take care of their appetite and track its growth. You can adjust their feeding frequency and portions accordingly.
Purchasing Your Pet
Most collectors purchase an Aphonopelma seemanni for its unique pattern and ease of maintenance. Luckily, you can find a striped-Knee spider on some websites at affordable prices.
The aesthetic pattern, low pricing, and fantastic nature of Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula has made them a great addition to any spider pet lover’s collection.
Keep in mind some of the essential factors in maintaining the health and well-being of the Striped-Knee spider. Please provide them with enough space for digging its burrow and adjust temperature and humidity accordingly. They don’t usually come above the ground, but you can surely appreciate all that it has to offer once they pop up at night.